Locke’s priorities out of whack

Published 9:00 pm Monday, December 27, 2004

Gov. Gary Locke has awarded $26.7 million in salmon habitat protection and restoration grants (Associated Press article, Dec. 10). Is it just me or did anyone else think the state was in dire need of money for basic services? Roads, schools, health care for the children and affordable housing for low-income families.

Is it any wonder voters continue to defeat school levies, bond issues and higher property taxes? How can Gov. Locke do this? Does he really have that authority to issue grants of this size without any regard for where the money is really needed?

Ronald P. Foster

Everett